I've got a '53 Buick Special with 22,000 original miles on it. The lifters were leaking down so bad it would hardly run at all. We changed the oil and added some rislone and within 5 minutes it stopped and ran excellent. Now after driving slow for awhile it comes back. Once I'm out on the highway it's gone again. Any ideas? Has anyone successfully taken them apart and cleaned them up? Does anyone know where to get new ones?

Thank You,
Andy

O. HYDRAULIC VALVE LIFTER
`53 - `55 "264-322" $12.00 ea
From Classic Buicks Inc (http://classicbuicks.com/V8valvetrain.htm)

Or try:
CARS Inc Buick Parts (http://http://www.buick-parts.com/)

The lifters you list are for a V8 . The special is a straight 8 and the lifters may be gummed up. They are much larger than the V8 lifters,and can be taken apart and cleaned without too much difficulty. Just be sure that you do not mix parts, as they are individually fit.

DOH! Isn't it funny how I just assumed it was a nailhead. I guess I have blinders on when it comes to thinking about motors. smile.gif

I use carb clean to soak them before attempting disassembly.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try taking them apart. I know I can get replacements, but the cheapest I've found is $25 a piece. It still stops ticking once I'm at highway speeds for a little while.

Thanks again,
Andy